While these loveable roles may have started out as supporting characters, they stole the audiences' hearts and quickly became the best part of their shows.
By
Updated 4 months ago,December 18, 2024
More often than not, television shows boast a variety of memorable characters, whether discussing something as dramatic asThe Sopranosor as light-hearted asThe Simpsons.
As fantastic as many of these shows lead characters are, certain supporting characters manage to forge their own lasting reputation within the annals of pop culture.
The Office / NBC
Appearing alongside their series respective main characters, in some cases, these supporting characters even managed to outshine their shows protagonist, maintaining audiences interests on a week-in, week-out basis.
Kramer (Seinfeld)
Typically described as a hipster doofus by his closest friends (especially Elaine), the multifaceted Cosmo Kramer was a man of eclectic tastes and numerous idiosyncrasies.
An unemployed slacker who displayed a multitude of distinct quirks, mannerisms, and catchphrases, Kramer added some much-needed flair to the cast ofSeinfeld, making his trio of friends seem almost normal by comparison.
Keeping himself busy with his harebrained financial schemes and short-lived professional ventures, audiences knew they were in for some kind of surprise whenever Kramer came barging into Jerrys apartment unannounced.
Dwight Schrute (The Office)
A character that was almost too easy to hate in his initial incarnation, Dwights transformation from a petty sycophant into a capable and kind-hearted manager forms a major narrative thread ofThe Office.Perhaps the most eccentric employee at Dunder Mifflins Scranton branch, Dwights overly serious manner and plethora of quirks made him a constant source of entertainment, especially when he was paired with his best friend/mortal enemy, Jim Halpert.
Joey Tribbiani (Friends)
A character so popular, he received his very own spin-off, Joey providedFriendswith constant comic relief throughout the series 10 year long run.
NBC / Castle Rock Entertainment
A suave ladies man with an insatiable appetite, Joeys immature antics and childlike attitude meshed well with his somewhat more mature friends in the series.
Rather than growing up and settling into an idyllic family life like his fellow cast members, Joey seemed content living out his days in New York City.
But even then, Joeys final relationship with Alex signified profound growth from the carefree bachelor lifestyle he once held at the start of the show.
NBC / Universal Television
Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother)
The 2000s successor to Joey Tribbiani, Barney Stinson became known as the archetypical ladies man shortly after his debut onHow I Met Your Mother.Relaunching Neil Patrick Harriss career with his suave charisma and debonair personality, Barney appeared as the proverbial devil on all of his friends shoulders.
The main author of the chauvinistic Bro Code, Barney may have been a selfish, calculating womanizer throughout most of the seriesbut he somehow managed to become a character audiences couldnt bring themselves to hate.
Like all his short-lived female companions, he won viewers over through his abundant charm, crisp smile, and well-tailored three-piece suits.
NBC / Warner Bros. Television
Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation)
The straight-faced director of Pawnees Department of Parks and Recreation, Ron Swanson quickly became the standout character onParks and Recfrom the first season onward.
A dedicated Libertarian whose political ideals often clashed with his employee Leslie Knopes, Rons stereotypically masculine views never failed to get a chuckle from one episode to the next.
Whether gorging himself on bacon, steak, or shrimp (his three favorite foods) or indulging in whittling and woodwork in his spare time, any scene featuring Ron was destined to be pure comedic gold.
CBS / 20th Century Fox Television
Spock (Star Trek)
The analytical second-in-command of the U.S.S.Enterprise, Spock has achieved an iconic reputation within the annals of pop culture, dwelling alongside other classic sci-fi characters like E.T.
or Darth Vader.
A deadpan Vulcan with an intellect as vast and boundless as the galaxy he delighted in exploring, Spocks tactful view of the universe made him an invaluable member of the originalEnterprisecrew.
NBC / Universal Television
Without Spock and his sobering logic, who knows how many dangerous missions might have seen Captain Kirk and his crew perish?
Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
The breakout character ofThe Big Bang Theory,Sheldon Cooper embodies all the core characteristics commonly associated with a cliched nerd.
A theoretical physicist who prides himself on his massive intelligence, Sheldon nevertheless possesses numerous less than admirable qualities, including a bloated ego, petty vindictiveness, and an unchecked superiority complex.
NBC / Universal Television
Yet like all the best TV characters, Sheldon slowly grew into a better and more accepting personsomeone who, even at his worst, most people found themselves breaking out in laughter at.
CBS / Warner Bros. Television
